I couldn't believe what I heard Neela say. She was moving out and the only explanation I get is "We both know why."? Where is this fair and why haven't I a clue as to what she means?

I sit on the couch, trying to watch "The Omen", but all I can think of is her telling me that she is moving out and I curse her husband. I hate Gallant. I think of what type of husband he is. Barely married a month and he decides he wants to go back to Iraq. If I had Neela as my wife, I wouldn't leave her side for the first year of marriage, if not the entire marriage.

I feel like going to Ike's and getting completely wasted, but it's closing time and they won't open the doors for even me. Oh well. I slink to the fridge and pull out another beer. It's my fourth one in an hour. Maybe if I drink enough, I'll forget her. I'll forget she's moving out. If I'm lucky, I'll be able to forget how much I love her.

I can feel her standing next to me, wanting to say something, but she doesn't. She heads to the door. "Why?"

She looks back at me. "We've already discussed this, Ray."

"No. We didn't. You just said we both know why and I'm a little confused as to the whole why of it all." I sip my beer.

She sighs and leans against the door. "I'm married, Ray, and…"

"Some marriage. He marries you, but where is he?"

"He's in Iraq." I can see her claws coming out.

"By choice, Neela. He CHOSE to leave you. It wasn't like he was ordered to." I scoff.

"You have no right…"

"Right? I have no right to call it as I see it? Married barely a month and he hits you with this. If that's love, Neela, make sure you don't prescribe me any." I'm now huffy and half drunk. Shouldn't have had that Jack while she was still packing in her room.

"No, you wouldn't know what love is, would you, Ray? It's all about one-night stands and groupies and whatever else there is. Love is not just a foreign concept to you, it's something you'll never know."

That's it. I couldn't take it. I threw my beer bottle at the door, just over her head. "Is that what you think?"

She looks at me stunned. I know what she must be thinking. I've never once threw anything, except a couple punches. "You've not shown me otherwise, Ray."

I bury my face in my hands. "Dammit, Neela. You are as fucking blind as a bat."

"Pardon?"

I look up at her. "Jesus, Neela. Why do you think I've taped all your shows for you? Why I helped you when you needed helping, even if it's just an ear to bend? Fuck, Neela. You have no clue, do you?"

She shuts the door behind her and looks at me. "I'm married, Ray."

Shit. "I know. But, Neela. I love you and I always have." There. I said it. Liquid courage, maybe, but at least it's out.

She walks over to me and gives me a hug. "I love you, too, Ray, but not in the way you want me to love you. You're my best friend and that will never change."

I long to kiss her, but settle for a small kiss on the top of her head. As she leaves, I slump on the couch, feeling as shattered as the beer bottle by the door.